Baltimore’s Draft Room Just Revealed How Smart Brad Holmes Really Is
Sometimes the best validation for a Brad Holmes draft move comes from watching other teams squirm. The Ravens just released their 2026 draft war room footage, and it tells us everything we need to know about Detroit jumping them to grab Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore at pick 44.
Holmes traded up six spots from 50 to 44, leapfrogging Baltimore in the process. The speculation was obvious: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter coached Moore at Michigan, so Detroit had to move fast before Baltimore snatched their guy.
Turns out, that might not have been the case at all.
Plot Twist: Baltimore Wanted Someone Else
The Ravens footage shows their front office was laser-focused on Missouri defensive end Zion Young, not Moore. General manager Eric DeCosta is on camera saying they had a first-round grade on Young and calling him their second-best available player heading into Day 2.
When Detroit made the trade, DeCosta’s immediate reaction was pure frustration: “Yeah, that’s gonna be for Zion Young… GOD!” You can hear the panic in his voice.
Then the Lions selected Moore instead. Cue the awkward silence and some convenient editing cuts from Baltimore’s video team.
Holmes Played This Perfectly
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Ravens had offered Detroit the same trade package to move up to their pick at 45. Holmes could have taken that deal and still gotten Moore if Baltimore really wanted Young.
Instead, he jumped them entirely. Maybe he knew something Baltimore didn’t. Maybe he didn’t trust their intentions. Maybe he just wanted to be damn sure he got his guy.
Either way, Detroit got Moore and forced Baltimore to settle for Young at 45. The Ravens claimed Young was the 20th player on their board, which feels like damage control after getting outmaneuvered.
The Bottom Line
Look, we don’t know yet if Moore will be worth the 128th overall pick Detroit spent to jump up and get him. But watching Baltimore’s front office scramble when they thought Detroit was taking their preferred target? That’s the kind of chess move that separates good general managers from great ones.
Holmes has been playing this game at an elite level since he walked into Allen Park. This is just another example of him staying three steps ahead while everyone else is still figuring out the board.
Did Holmes just pull off another masterclass move or are we reading too much into Baltimore’s panic? Sound off in the comments.
This is exactly what I’m talking about when people ask why I trust Holmes. He’s not just making moves, he’s thinking five steps ahead of other teams and making them look silly on their own film. That’s the difference between someone who belongs in this job and someone who doesn’t.
Ok I’ll admit that’s a smooth move, but let’s pump the brakes a little bit. We still gotta see if Moore actually pans out before we’re calling this a masterclass. Holmes has definitely been smart with moves, but I need to see the production before I’m throwing a parade.
Man, this is the kind of stuff that makes me smile as a Lions fan these days. Watching our GM actually outthink other teams in the draft room? That’s not something we’ve gotten to experience much over the years, and it feels good to see it happening now.
Lol the panic in DeCosta’s voice when he realized what just happened is priceless. This is what happens when you’re dealing with someone who actually knows what he’s doing. Holmes is playing chess while everyone else is still learning the rules.